Is Cowen fit to lead?

[yehbut_nobut]

The wheels seem to have come off Cowens trolly amazingly soon, barely month after his coronation.

So far, with the possible exception of his own local constituents, he has shown a remarkable inability to inspire a following, coupled with a lack of talent in motivating people to consider his point of view. One of Bertie's great (almost diabolical) gifts was the knack of making (some) people at least want to believe him.

Cowen's lack of personability is evident in spades. His pitiful performance in the Lisbon campaign (and let there be no doubt, he was dire in the extreme), especially when viewed alongside his past thumb twiddling in various ministries, is reflective of a man whose achievements can be listed on avery small piece of paper.

He reminds me of the awful boss we've all had at one time or another - the one who lacks vision, foresight, or indeed integrity (viz his unquestioning support of Bertie). The kind of boss where everyone mumbles "Fukker" under their breath as he leaves the room.

A few weeks back Cowen insisted there was no place in Fianna Fail for people who didn't support the Lisbon treaty. Surely a strong leader would follow through on such a forceful statement. I mean, such an intelligent man couldn't have been speaking without thinking. Could he? Cowen hopes that remark will be quietly forgotten. However some of his cringe inducing comments after the result only add to the mans misfortunes.

I believe nobody expects anything even approaching greatness from him at the meeting of EU leaders next week. Many are in dread of what guff he'll come out with next.

So the simple question's- were FF wrong to opt for a coronation? (As an aside; where was our Tanaiste during the Lisbon campaign?) How long before the rumblings get louder?

[factual]

I agree that he is not having a good start.

He has not atriculated ANY concern to help the least well off, since he took over. No policies on tacking poverty.

Everything seems to have turned bad since he took over.

[Squire Allworthy]

Cowen and Brown are both mistakes. Of the two Cowen is the bigger, but look what preceded him! So I suppose he is an improvement. On the bright side he may lead FF into a defeat in the next election.

[TradCat]

I agree he has made a poor start. But he has a big advantage over Brown. Enda Kenny is nowhere near as sharp as David Cameron.

[Deep Throat]

now ye know why fg'ers were happy with cowen's appointment!

[KATHY]

Cowen is nothing more than a die hard FF'er who has the ability to rally the troops, but whether he is Taoiseach material is seriously doubtful. This was clearly evident during the Lisbon campaign when despite numerous calls for unity of purpose and a joint effort towards galvanising the yes campaign from Kenny, Cowen just could not bring himself to rise above the stereo typical partisan approach of old world FF and stand with FG for the sake of the country. When he eventually did so it was too little too late.

[yehbut_nobut]

I agree he has made a poor start. But he has a big advantage over Brown. Enda Kenny is nowhere near as sharp as David Cameron.

I had hoped that this wouldn't turn into (yet another) Enda Kenny thread, but Oh well. Kenny didn't get his desired result in the referendum, but it wasn't for want of trying. The same can't be said of Cowen.

If Kenny were Taoiseach today i'd imagine he'd already have a plan of action in place to deal with the No result. I'd see him starting a national conversation, in consultation with local groups, other EU leaders, TDs on all sides etc to see how to move on.
Listening to Cowen (he's on lunchtime news) his response to the "what now" question seems to be a giant shrug.

" S'not my fault, gov. " The man is pretty useless.

[The Earl of Desmond]

Are Fianna Fáil fit to govern? Of course not.

But for some reason they get the most votes so that's that.

Is Cowen fit to be Taoiseach? Of course not.

But he was the only candidate for the job so that's that.

Fitness for office is never a consideration in Irish politics - particularly within FF.

[TradCat]

I had hoped that this wouldn't turn into (yet another) Enda Kenny thread

Actually, that's fair enough. Sorry for mentioning him. Cowen deserves to be discussed on his own merits.

[TradCat]

Or lack of them